Karnataka Minister Calls For MNCs To Publicly Display Kannadiga Staff Numbers

Kannada and Culture Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi announced in the Legislative Council that multinational companies will be required to publicly display the number of Kannadigas they employ on notice boards at their campuses. This decision was made during discussions on the Kannada Language Comprehensive Development (Amendment) Bill, which was passed on Tuesday.

The bill, which had been debated and passed in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday, underwent further discussion and approval in the Upper House on Tuesday.

During the deliberations, various members suggested measures to promote Kannada in the state. In response, Tangadagi emphasized the government's commitment to elevating the status of the Kannada language.

"We will mandate multinational companies to prominently display the number of Kannadigas they employ on notice boards at their campuses," the minister stated, addressing a suggestion for increased employment of Kannadigas in private enterprises.

The Kannada Language Comprehensive Development (Amendment) Bill also stipulates that business establishments must have 60% of their signage in Kannada.

Tangadagi also informed the house about the development of an application that will allow citizens to lodge complaints against individuals or organizations that act against the interests of Kannadigas.

He further assured the house that the government would seriously consider withdrawing cases filed against pro-Kannada activists.

The minister also mentioned the government's efforts to enhance the use of Kannada in the judiciary by encouraging advocates to argue in Kannada and ensuring that judgments are delivered in the state language.

Several members also called for the utilization of the Gadinadu Development Authority members to enforce the laws outlined in the bill.